De’longhi esam3300 Magnifica Review – Magnificent Or Not?

DeLonghi 3300 Magnifica Review – My Ratings & Top Features

Who Should Buy The DeLonghi Magnifica?

The DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM 3300 is ideal for those who want a super-automatic espresso machine that does everything for you. From grinding the beans to frothing milk for latte drinks, you’ll barely have to lift a finger to brew good espresso coffee.

This is the perfect coffee machine for beginner coffee lovers. Even if you’ve never owned an espresso machine, this one is easy to operate, and best of all, it won’t break the bank.

Why I Decided To Review The DeLonghi ESAM 3300 Magnifica

Even though the DeLonghi ESAM 3300 Magnifica is no longer manufactured by the company, it still remains one of the best-selling super-automatic espresso machines on the market.

Naturally, I wanted to see what all the fuss was about, so I ordered my Magnifica on Amazon and immediately started putting it to the test.

Here’s a bit more information on how I chose to test the ESAM 3300 espresso machine:

What’s It Like To Live With The DeLonghi Magnifica Espresso Machine

The ESAM 3300 has been on the market for more than two decades, and it still remains one of the best-selling super-automatic coffee machines out there.

After reviewing every aspect of its performance, I'm not surprised as to why. In fact, most of my complaints revolve around this machine's discontinuation!

What's In The Box?

I ordered my Magnifica coffee machine through Amazon, and it arrived two days later in a neat-and-tidy box. The packaging is solid - almost as solid as the machine itself!

In addition to the coffee machine, here’s what you can expect to find in the box:

The Grinder

While the Magnifica’s conical burr grinder isn’t its standout feature, it’s definitely worth mentioning.

Compared to a ceramic burr grinder, this one is made from stainless steel, and it has 14 adjustable settings for achieving perfect freshly ground coffee for every brew cycle.

Some people prefer ceramic grinders for their ability to retain sharpness over time, but I’m personally a fan of stainless steel.

Steel is more durable and less likely to damage, so I fully expect the Magnifica’s coffee grinder to last for a good, long while.

To start grinding, all I had to do was add my beans to the bean hopper. The coffee grounds container is airtight, so you never have to worry about stale coffee.

If you prefer, you can use the pre-ground coffee bypass to skip the grinder altogether.

You should know that this is a somewhat loud grinder. If you don’t want to wake up your roommate or family members for your morning coffee,

I recommend skipping the coffee beans and using ground coffee instead.

Pulling My First Espresso Shot

I've done my fair share of traditional espresso pulling over the years, and it requires quite a bit of elbow grease.

That's not the case with the Magnifica; brewing espresso has literally never been easier, thanks to this coffee machine.

Because this is a super-automatic espresso machine, there’s really no “pulling” required for making your espresso shots.

There’s no portafilter and no tamper; making coffee with the DeLonghi Magnifica all comes down to pushing a button and turning a few dials.

Thanks to the dual Thermoblock boiler system, heating the machine takes only 10 seconds.

Since the brew unit and steaming chamber have their own boiler as well as an instant reheat function, there's essentially no waiting between brewing and steaming.

There's no denying that this machine makes great espresso - I could tell after just one sip.

Even though it doesn't allow for the same creativity as a manual or semi-automatic espresso machine, it will enable you to dial in on your preferences.

I love that I can simply turn a dial to select my ideal strength and volume.

My First Time Frothing Milk

This super-automatic machine features a manual steam wand, which is quite rare in a fully automatic model.

The steam wand is the only aspect of the entire brewing system that works manually, and as someone who likes to have control over milk frothing, I’m a fan.

At first glance, the steam wand seems a bit cheap, but that’s only because the steel piping is covered with a plastic sheath.

While it may look cheaper than 100% steel wands, it works just as well, and best of all, it’s easy to use.

The steam wand itself is a Panarello, so the froth is created using a simple yet effective method.

There’s a small intake hole on each side of the wand that draws air in before expelling it back into the milk, creating a silky, frothy consistency.

If you’re not a fan of this type of steamed milk frother, no worries. DeLonghi makes it easy to remove the plastic sheath, and the inner wand works just like a traditional steamer.

As is the case with any milk frother steam wand, there’s a slight learning curve at the start.

It took me about 30 seconds to get used to the movement and pressure, but once I did, I was happy with the results. I use fresh whole milk, but it also works well with skim, oat, and almond.

My only complaint is that the DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM3300 doesn’t come with a milk container.

A lot of espresso machines include a stainless steel milk jug for frothing milk, but you’ll have to use your own container for this one.

Control & Ease Of Use

I’ve used several super-automatic machines, and so far, none have been as easy to use as the Magnifica.

The control panel is simple yet intuitive, and each of the buttons and dials has a very clear purpose.

Thanks to the Direct-to-Brew System, there’s not much work involved after you’ve set your preferences.

This machine essentially “remembers” your details, so you can always count on the ideal strength and size for your beverage.

There are two dials located on the front panel. The first is for adjusting shot volume anywhere from 0.5 to 6 ounces.

The second dial allows you to adjust brew strength, essentially controlling the amount of ground coffee dispensed.

As far as the buttons go, you’ll find 1 for brewing a single shot and 1 for a double shot.

If you want to stop brewing midway through, just press the button to keep the entire shot from being pulled.

Because the buttons are labeled with pictures rather than words, I definitely recommend glancing at the user manual to familiarize yourself with the different controls.

Look, Feel & Size Of The Machine

Aesthetically, the DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM3300 isn’t for everyone. It has an all-plastic exterior, which doesn’t look as appealing as the sleek stainless steel exterior of Breville machines.

The upside is that the machine is as durable as they come. The plastic exterior components surround a body made entirely from stainless steel.

With proper care, I fully expect to use this machine for at least 5 years.

The super-automatic espresso machine itself has a fairly small footprint. It measures 11" deep by 15.3" wide by 14.4" high and weighs just over 23 pounds.

Considering it’s so compact, I was surprised by its capacity; the water tank holds 2 liters and a bean hopper capacity of 8.8 ounces.

What Drinks Can It Make?

There are very few limitations on what the DeLonghi Magnifica espresso machine can create.

Whether you want a rich single shot or a creamy cappuccino, it's possible. It can even fill two coffee cups simultaneously, thanks to the double-brew group heads.

Most super-automatic machines don’t allow for this amount of control.

Thanks to the volume and coffee quantity control dials, I can brew anything from a potent ristretto to a long black to an Americano.

The real barista-ing magic happens when I add the steam wand into the mix.

I’ve made cappuccinos and lattes many times using the Magnifica, and I’ve even tested non-dairy milk alternatives. No matter the type of milk, my coffee beverage always turns out silky and frothy.

In the afternoons, I love making decaf coffee. Instead of using the caffeinated coffee beans stored in the hopper, I just use the grinder bypass feature and add decaf coffee to the coffee grounds container.

Cleaning & Descaling

I won’t go as far as saying that cleaning my DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM3000 is enjoyable, but it’s certainly easy.

Thanks to the plastic components, there’s not much to keeping the exterior in tip-top shape; I just give it a quick wipe-down after each brew.

DeLonghi clearly put a lot of thought into designing an easy-to-maintain machine. Everything from the water tank to the drip tray to the lukewarm cup warmer tray is removable.

It’s even possible to remove the brew chamber, which just needs a quick rinse once a week.

I love that this machine features an automatic rinse cycle.

Just hit the rinse button, and the machine will flush itself with water to remove grounds and milk residue, keeping it running smoothly until more intense maintenance is needed.

The used coffee cups are stored behind the removable drip tray. After taking the drip tray out, just remove the coffee puck drawer and empty it.

The drawer can hold up to 14 pucks, so I only need to empty it about once a week.

An Important Note About Water Filtration

My biggest complaint about this espresso machine is its lack of water filtration. Most machines these days have a built-in filtration system, but not the DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM3300.

If you’re using tap water, this could be a serious problem, especially if your home has hard water.

Hard water can leave calcium deposits that clog the hoses, and it can even impact the brewing temperature and alter the flavor of your espresso coffee.

Luckily, DeLonghi provides customers with a water hardness test strip to test their water before it’s dispensed through the brew group head.

The machine will record the water hardness level and automatically dispense the descaling solution according to the water quality.

While I prefer my machine to have a filtration system, it’s not a huge deal in the long run.

I recommend using a Brita pitcher to fill the water tank, or else you’ll have to descale the machine more often.

My Favorite Parts About The DeLonghi 3300 Magnifica

Because the DeLonghi Magnifica has so many positive features, it’s hard for me to narrow down my favorites.

After a lot of thought, I can honestly say that the fast heating capability is a big reason why I love the DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM 3300.

Even if I have to make several drinks in the morning, I never have to wait between cups.

That’s all thanks to the Rapid Cappuccino System, which works to consistently maintain optimal temperature throughout the entire machine.

Ease of maintenance is another noteworthy feature. The machine is compact and easy to disassemble, so I never have any trouble getting into every nook and cranny.

Plus, the company included a 2-year warranty if anything ever goes wrong.

I also love just how simple it is to froth, foam, and steam milk with this super-automatic espresso machine.

It’s built with a traditional milk frother that allows me to manually froth milk to the perfect consistency, even for latte art.

Almost all of the settings are customizable, and it’s easy to adjust these settings based on your coffee preferences.

After selecting your settings, the DeLonghi Magnifica automatically brews based on your ideal temperature, richness, and density.

The last feature I want to mention is the professional-grade conical burr grinder.

It grinds coffee beans using 14 adjustable grind settings, but you can also use pre-ground coffee in your DeLonghi brew unit.

My Least Favorite Parts About The DeLonghi 3300 Magnifica

Unfortunately, this specific model is no longer made by the DeLonghi company. I’m not exactly sure why DeLonghi decided to discontinue the 3300, especially considering it's a fan favorite.

All this means is that you can't buy the machine directly from DeLonghi. You'll have to purchase it from a different retailer, like Amazon or Walmart. Don't worry, though.

Your warranty policy will still be valid as long as you register your coffee maker.

My only other complaint is that this machine doesn’t have a built-in water filtration system. Even most semi-automatic espresso machines have a filter, so it’s a bit odd that this one doesn’t.

I recommend only adding filtered water to the water tank, or else you’ll have to descale more often.

DeLonghi Magnifica Vs Similar Coffee Machines

DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM 3300 Vs Magnifica S

The Magnifica S is another solid machine by DeLonghi that’s easy to use, even for beginners.[2]

Aside from the price tag, the only real difference is that it comes with a manual steam wand instead of an automatic milk frother.

The ‘S’ stands for ‘Smart,’ and everything about the S coffee maker is indeed intelligent.

It makes creamy lattes and bold espresso at the touch of a button, and it even has a coffee memory function to save your favorite drink recipes.

All in all, the DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM 3300 is the more budget-friendly choice. But if you’re willing to pay more for an automatic milk frother, go for the Magnifica S instead.

DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM 3300 Vs Philips 3200 LatteGo

Just like the ESAM 3300, the Philips 3200 LatteGo is another fully automatic espresso machine that does everything for you.[3]

It specializes in 5 coffee drinks - espresso, regular coffee, cappuccino, iced coffee, and latte macchiato.

I’ve personally used both machines, and I’m much more impressed with the Magnifica’s espresso quality.

Although the Philips is great for lattes and capps, the coffee it produces tastes as if it was made by a drip coffee maker.

DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM 3300 Vs Breville Barista Express

Out of all the semi-automatic machines under $ 1,000, the Breville Barista Express is one of the best.

It's stylish, easy to use, durable, and creates espresso that most people have only enjoyed in coffee shops.

If you’re looking for the ease that comes with super-automatic espresso machines, the Magnifica is the better choice for you.

Still, if you want a more traditional espresso machine, you can’t go wrong with the Barista Express.[4]

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Conclusion - Is The DeLonghi Magnifica Worth Your Money?

The DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM3300 is certainly worth the money, especially if you are looking for a fully automatic espresso machine that’s easy to use.

It's rare to find a super-automatic espresso machine for less than $ 1,000, so I highly recommend taking advantage of this one while it's still available.

It has a lot going for it, especially in terms of coffee quality, ease of use, and simple maintenance.

If you're more interested in a hands-on, interactive coffee experience, I recommend the Barista Express or Barista Pro instead.

Both of these machines are made by Breville, allowing users to dial in on their barista skills.

References: 

1. https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/customer-service/warranty
2. https://www.delonghi.com/en-us/magnifica-s-smart-cappuccino-maker-ecam23270s/p/ECAM23270S
3. https://www.usa.philips.com/c-e/ho/coffee/espresso/philips-automatic-espresso-machine?origin=7_700000002310876_71700000100980696_58700008071775138_43700073397150523&gad=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwl8anBhCFARIsAKbbpyTqmscTik4j8HJQXp16y4cxWsFPgRJPMCXCMU6EUZ_HavWqHn_JqRkaAnKWEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
4. https://www.breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes870.html
5. https://www.delonghi.com/en-gb/faqs/How-do-I-make-an-espresso/a/33696